March 15, 2022
Though the combined might of the Republic and the Jedi seems to have pushed the Nihil into near extinction, the feared marauders nonetheless launch an attack on the renowned outpost Port Haileap. Amid the chaos, the Nihil kidnap Avon Starros, a young inventor with a knack for getting into trouble. Avon awakens to find herself captive aboard a Nihil ship full of other abducted children. Sensing her young friend's distress, Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh returns to Port Haileap with her new Padawan, Imri Cantaros, to uncover any clues that might lead them to Avon. Determined to free herself from the Nihil's clutches, Avon concocts ways to send a message for help, using her smarts and keen sense of scientific skills to survive among her captors. At the Nihil's home base, it all becomes clear: The Nihil plan to recruit the children into their ranks. Joined by Avon's sassy (and heavily armed) droid, J-6, Vern and Imri travel to the planet of Dalna, where rumors of further Nihil-fueled disappearances suggest a path toward finding Avon--and perhaps more. Another intriguing tale from the High Republic era, Ireland's latest Star Wars jaunt bristles with high-octane moments set against a thin backdrop of enticing space politics. What's most engrossing here, as always, is the author's compelling rendition of the headlining Jedi, Vern and Imri. The brisk pace makes this tale totally entertaining. First rate. (Science fiction. 8-12)
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